In English

What is Manual therapy?

Manual therapy is a specialisation within physiotherapy. A physiotherapists with specialisation in Manual therapy is normally called a Manual therapist. To become a Manual therapist one must pass a clinical exam through the two year masters’ degree program at the University of Bergen in Norway, or similar at a recognised masters program abroad. The master’s degree provides the therapist with expert knowledge in examination, treatment and preventative work within the neuro-musculo-skeletal field.

Those manual therapists who are members of The Norwegian Physiotherapy Association (NFF) are represented in the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapists (IFOMT), which is a sub group of World Confederation of Physical Therapists (WCPT).

Their definition of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT): Orthopaedic Manual Therapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy / physical therapy for the management of neuro-musculo-skeletal conditions, based on clinical reasoning, using highly specific treatment approaches including manual techniques and therapeutic exercises. OMT also encompasses, and is driven by, the available scientific and clinical evidence and the biopsychosocial framework of each individual patient.

Manual therapist`s role as a primary contact.

In 2006, the parlament gave Manual therapists the right to become primary contacts. To become a primary contact one must pass exams in radiology, differential diagnosis and laboratory analysis, as well as training in funding and distribution of benefits and health services. Most manual therapists work in collaboration with medical doctors; however a referral from the doctor is not necessary in order to seek treatment.

Manual therapists can refer patients to medical doctors, medical specialists and physiotherapy. If radiological investigations are indicated the therapist can refer for x-ray, MRI/CT and ultrasound scans. Manual therapists can prescribe sick leave to patients with musculo-skeletal conditions for up to 12 weeks. They work in collaboration with the patient, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare administration and the work place, if long-term sick leave is necessary. The goal is to meet the needs of all parties and to see that the patient returns to work when it is feasible. The advantage is a more efficient management of the patients` situation.

Manual therapists collaborate with a diversity of medical and social personnel working in the social services, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and out- patients’ clinics. The Manual therapist also works within the sporting arena and is an important part of medical teams working with amateur, professional and national athletes.

What function does a Manual therapist have?

Manual therapists are specialist on illnesses and injuries in the neuro- muskculoskeletal system. They observe and examine our movement system (Examles, different joints) neuromuscular and biomechanical function in regards to movement, stability and pain. If needed the manual therapist can order further investigations (x-ray, mr, ultrasound scan and ct-scans) or reefer to different medical specialists. After the examination the manual therapist will be able to give you a diagnosis, cause of pain, reduced function and prognosis.

Manual therapist use scientific evidence to document treatment methods to reduce pain, normalize function and prevent further loss of function. Treatment methods such as joint mobilisation and manipulation, manual soft tissue treatments, stretching and nerve mobilisation are often used by the manual therapist. Furthermore, the manual therapist will teach and guide people/patients in their rehabilitation after injury and educate them in managemnet strategies/ cognitive terapi througe their illness and chronic pain. In their evaluation of muskeleskeletal dysfunction the manual terapist understands that illness, pain and injuries have to be seen in a biopsycososial framwork.

Through treatment you as a patient will resive information about and help to be able to perform exercises to improve loss of function as well as prevent further relaps of illness/injury/and pain. In addition, you will be given advide on how to manage in relation to your own illness.

What kind of patients does a Manual therapist see?

The manual therapist treats patients with pain and reduced function in the neuro- musculoskeletal system. Examples: Patients with reduced function and pain in and from the head, jaw, neck and spine. Patients with reduced function and pain in and from the pelvic. Patients with reduced function and pain in and from joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves in arms and legs after illness, wear and tear and injuries.

Manual therapist also treat patients who needs rehabilitation after injury (Examples: sport injuries) and after surgery